Former fighter pilot weighs in on jet noise complaints

I have heard some people complain about the noise of the F-35. Let me provide a brief history and my point of view.

Luke Air Force Base is Fighter Country, and the roar of the jets is “The Sound of Freedom!”

Luke AFB became a fighter training base in 1940 and is named for Frank Luke Jr., an Arizona native, a fighter pilot and the first aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

One suggestion to convert Luke AFB to a cargo base is despicable. Luke AFB is home to our fighter pilots and those coming from our allies around the world. It is also a driver of our economy.

I visited Luke AFB in July 1965 to get a briefing on a new fighter, the F-4, as I was heading to Southeast Asia. I eventually flew 35 combat missions in the F-4. 

I was assigned to Luke AFB in 1983 as hospital commander and attached to the 550 TFS for flying time in the F-15.

The people who are complaining about the F-35 should do two things: Read your home purchase agreement and see that it tells you that Luke AFB is your neighbor. Second, consider selling your home and moving to a quiet location. Antarctica is quiet.

Editor’s note: Leonard Kirschner MD, MPH is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, former AHCCCS director and past president of AARP Arizona. He lives in Litchfield Park. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.